“I would like to think we’re better but I’m one of those guys that believes the proof is in the pudding,” defensive end Cameron Wake said, choosing caution. “It doesn’t matter what I think, what you think or any of those bloggers and tweeters say. Whatever. Once you step on the field and you slap someone in the head with pads on and you do it better than last year, then you can say you’re better. To come out here and make predictions and say this and that … it’s to be seen.”

Receiver Mike Wallace had a much more direct message for all of the critics out there.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the leader of the team and one who's entering a huge year for himself, hopes to play deep into January and February.

"We want to play deep into January and February," Tannehill said. "That's our goal at this point, is to go out, win the division and play in the playoffs. It's a big season ahead of us and I think anything less than that is not up to our standards."

Head Coach Joe Philbin said that they have improved by a win each season but it's time for them to take another step forward as a football team. Owner Stephen Ross said that if your goal isn't to make the playoffs, you're playing the wrong game.

It's good to see that playoffs are the expectation in 2014 as they should every year. The Dolphins have most of the pieces in place to make a playoff run - now it's time to put it all together and execute.